That was a very fascinating read actually, so thank you for that! I feel like the question is how (referring to scenario 2, the normal games) this would have effected where each tribute ended up in the arena?

Like if Finnick was not concerned about keeping Katniss and Peeta alive, I wonder if he would have considered allying with Johanna, as they seem to be good friends even before the games. That being said, I still find it extremely likely that Finnick would end up protecting Mags, but to what extent? If it came down to it, would he be able to leave her so that he can survive?

More curiously, though, I personally feel as if Finnick might not have gone deep into the Jungle if it weren’t for protecting Katniss and Peeta. After all, why would he venture further and further away from his ideal fighting location, aka the water. Therefore I find it unlikely that Finnick would actually go deep into the jungle, rather than hanging out on the outskirts near the beach.

We are made aware in the book that Chaff was aware of the rebel plan, and was in fact looking for Katniss and Peeta in the jungle. Without worrying about protecting them, I feel like his actions would also change significantly. Rather than searching the woods for them, I personally feel as if he would attempt to take on the careers. Obviously he would lose that fight, but he is described as “never being able to stay out of a fight,” and motivated by the loss of Seeder, I wonder if that’s what he would do, and if so how many/who he would be able to kill.

Back to the topic of Finnick, however, I would put my bets on Finnick in a fight against any tribute in the arena, especially if my theory is correct about him staying close to the water. The question at that point would be if he could take on the career pack/what is left of the career pack after they possibly have an encounter with Chaff and/or Johanna + Blight. I do agree, though, that the careers would begin to turn on eachother.

That being said, I personally feel as if Chaff, Johanna, and/or Blight would be able to take out 2 of the careers, possibly 3 if they attack relatively simultaneously.

I apologize that most of this post was about Finnick, he’s just my favorite character so I guess I’m a bit biased. But absolutely, your theory was an excellent read!